Published Jan. 17, 2010

Ten Vermont schools have been selected as potential sites for small solar photovoltaic installations to be funded with federal grants.

A panel established by the state Department of Education chose the schools from among proposals submitted as part of a statewide competition. The winners are eligible for grants of $50,000 each to install small PV arrays for educational purposes.

The funding comes from a grant program included in a federal spending bill. The grant program was sought by U.S. Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt.

"This program is a major step forward in moving our state toward a greener economy which relies more and more on sustainable energy," said Mr. Sanders.

According to a news release from the senator's office, schools were encouraged to submit proposals on how the solar equipment could be used for educational purposes.

"As our state and country move away from fossil fuels toward energy independence, young people are the ones with the most at stake in making smarter choices about alternative, renewable sources of energy," Mr. Sanders said.

The list of 10 schools must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy for funding approval.

The schools are: The Edge Academy/Essex Middle School, Essex Junction; Woodstock Union Middle/High School, Woodstock; Bradford Elementary School, Bradford; South Royalton School, South Royalton; Crossett Brook Middle School, Duxbury; Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans; Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes, Burlington; Essex Community Education Center, Essex Junction; Folsom Education and Community Center, South Hero; and Hazen Union School, Hardwick.